Crews are removing trees, brush and debris from the roadside, northbound and southbound between mile 51 in Falmouth and mile 63 in Gray. The goals of Turnpike clearing projects are to improve highway safety by removing fixed object hazards for times when vehicles leave the roadway, to aid in snow and ice removal by reducing shading and increasing driver reaction times when wildlife attempts to cross travel lanes. Vegetation is being removed to approximately 55 feet from the edge of pavement on both sides.

Historically, crash rates on the Maine Turnpike are lower than those on other Maine Interstates and below the national average for Interstate highways. Fatality rates are also significantly lower.

Environmentally, crews are paying special attention to nearby streams, wetlands and area homes. Additionally, nearly all of the wood ends up harvested as biomass to be later used for electrical power.

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This current project is being conducted by Drew Corp. from Center Lovell for approximately $260,000 and is scheduled for completion in May.